Srirangapatna Dasara, which started on Saturday, had some anxious moments. When the biscuit burst near the elephant Gopalaswamy, it panicked and turned to his side, allowing people nearby to flee for cover.

The elephants Gopalaswamy and Kaveri were sent from Mysore to Srirangapatna to participate in the annual Dasala Festival. It only needs to pray to the idol of Chamundeswari and shower with petals.

The 3-day festival was unveiled by Sri Nirmalananda Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Mutt. Deputy Forest Conservator V. Karikalan said that the role of elephants is limited to saluting the gods and showering with flower petals. The wooden Hordakh used for the Vijayadashmi parade in Mysore was also sent to Srirangapatna, where the parade idol was placed in it and hung on an elephant.

Things went well. At the end, someone in the crowd burst a cookie, and nearby Gopallasvami panicked. However, the elephant trainer and assistant not only controlled the elephant, but also calmed it down. The elephant Kaveri had a similar reaction, but it was controlled by the elephant trainer within a few seconds.

Then the idol was transferred to the chariot and the parade was over, but Mr. Karikaran said that elephants were not allowed in the parade.

There was a large group of people around the elephant, accompanied by loud noises, whistles and cheers, which increased the pressure, and the bursting firecrackers overwhelmed the pressure. Although quite a few people approach the elephants and may be trampled on, this is purely God’s will.

Senior officials said the incident should remind the public not to approach the elephants because their behavior is unpredictable. Although Gopalaswamy has been participating in Dasala for many years and has withstood the roar of cannons during rehearsals in Mysore, and is also accustomed to the noise, his reaction to the crackling sound is impulsive.

Officials said that although precautions were taken during the Jamboo Savari in Mysore to ensure that no crowds approached the elephants, the incident will help ensure that stricter measures are taken.

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Printable version | 4:15:40 PM, December 10, 2021 | https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/anxious-moments-during-srirangapatna-dasara/article36916590.ece

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